Using Lean Control Tools and Maintaining Controls in Six Sigma

In the final stages of the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, teams need to control the improved processes in order to sustain improvement gains. Process control includes applying tools to continuously monitor and maintain each improved process, and to prevent it from reverting to its previous state. Apart from the statistical process control, there are a number of other Six Sigma and Lean tools to help to this end. This course introduces basic control tools commonly used in Lean Six Sigma projects. Specifically, it explores how total productive maintenance (TPM) promotes shared responsibility for maintaining process gains, and how the visual controls provide at-a-glance information about process performance. In addition, this course highlights the need to re-analyze the measurement system after improvement solutions are implemented, and provides guidelines for drawing conclusions from this. It tours the key elements of a vital tool for maintaining controls – the control plan – and explores the steps for developing an effective plan. This course is aligned with the ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt certification exam and is designed to assist learners as part of their exam preparation. It builds on foundational knowledge that is taught in SkillSoft’s ASQ-aligned Green Belt curriculum.